Impeachment Controversy Continues in West Virginia

The West Virginia Senate will reconvene Monday, despite the state Supreme Court’s ruling blocking the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Margaret Workman.

The court ruled Thursday allegations in three articles of impeachment violate the separation of powers doctrine and the House of Delegates failed to formally approve the impeachment resolution against the justices.

“The Senate will reconvene at 9 a.m. Monday, October 15, and gavel in as scheduled,” Senate director of communications Jacque Bland said. “In the meantime, the Senate is fully evaluating other options available to it regarding the Court’s decision.”

House of Delegates Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, said the House is prepared to move forward with the scheduled impeachment hearings.

“While the top priority of the Legislature is currently restoring a fully functional Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and returning public confidence to the state’s judiciary, it is imperative that all three branches of government recognize — and respect — the clear constitutional authority of the other branches,” he said.